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EP2032448A1 - Contenant et bec verseur - Google Patents

Contenant et bec verseur

Info

Publication number
EP2032448A1
EP2032448A1 EP07733715A EP07733715A EP2032448A1 EP 2032448 A1 EP2032448 A1 EP 2032448A1 EP 07733715 A EP07733715 A EP 07733715A EP 07733715 A EP07733715 A EP 07733715A EP 2032448 A1 EP2032448 A1 EP 2032448A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
passage
container
liquid
spout
opening
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07733715A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jason Lee Bayliffe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2032448A1 publication Critical patent/EP2032448A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0223—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
    • B65D1/023—Neck construction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/12—Cans, casks, barrels, or drums
    • B65D1/20—Cans, casks, barrels, or drums characterised by location or arrangement of filling or discharge apertures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/28—Handles
    • B65D25/2882—Integral handles
    • B65D25/2894—Integral handles provided on the top or upper wall
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/38—Devices for discharging contents
    • B65D25/40—Nozzles or spouts
    • B65D25/42—Integral or attached nozzles or spouts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/38—Devices for discharging contents
    • B65D25/40—Nozzles or spouts
    • B65D25/48—Separable nozzles or spouts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/32—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with means for venting
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/72—Contents-dispensing means
    • B65D5/74—Spouts
    • B65D5/746—Spouts formed separately from the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2205/00—Venting means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a container for holding liquid and a spout unit for a container for holding liquid, in particular a container and spout unit with improved dispensing properties.
  • a container comprising: a chamber for holding liquid; a first passage arranged to allow a flow of liquid from the chamber to an exterior of the container during a pouring operation; a second passage arranged to allow a flow of air from the exterior into the chamber, to replace the liquid leaving the chamber through the first passage during the pouring operation, substantially without disturbing the flow of liquid in the first passage; and a third passage for preventing liquid from settling in and at least to some extent blocking a part of the second passage, the third passage being arranged to drain liquid from that part of the second passage into the chamber away from the first passage, and also being adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage.
  • the first passage may be arranged to open into the chamber towards a first side of the container, and the second passage may be arranged to open into the chamber towards a second side of the container opposite the first side.
  • the first passage may be arranged to open into the chamber towards a first side of the container, and the third passage may be arranged to open into the chamber towards a second side of the container opposite the first side.
  • the second and third passages may be arranged mutually to open into each other substantially where they also mutually open into the chamber.
  • the container may be blow-moulded.
  • the third passage may be joined to the chamber by webbing.
  • the third passage may be adapted to perform both an air flow function and a drainage function in use.
  • the container may be adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage by providing that, where the first passage has a first opening to the exterior and the second and third passages have a mutual second opening to the exterior, the third passage is adapted and arranged such that the cross sectional area of the second opening is at least 15% of the cross sectional area of the first opening.
  • the cross sectional area of the second opening may be at least 20% of the cross sectional area of the first opening.
  • the cross sectional area of the second opening may be at least 25% of the cross sectional area of the first opening.
  • the cross sectional area of the second opening may be at least 30% of the cross sectional area of the first opening.
  • the cross sectional area of the second opening may be at least 35% of the cross sectional area of the first opening.
  • the container may be adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage by providing that, where the first passage has a first opening to the exterior and the third passage has a second opening to the exterior, the cross sectional area of the second opening is at least 15% of the cross sectional area of the first opening.
  • the container may be adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage by providing that a measure of the cross sectional area of the third passage is at least 15% of an equivalent measure of the cross sectional area of the first passage.
  • the measure may be an average cross sectional area.
  • the measure may be a minimum cross sectional area.
  • the measure may be a median cross sectional area.
  • the container may be adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage by providing that the first and third passages are adapted to allow filling of the bottle through the third passage at a filling rate of at least 15% of a filling rate through the first passage, assuming the same flow speed through both passages during filling.
  • This above-expressed percentage of at least 15% may be at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30% or at least 35%.
  • the third passage may be so adapted and arranged in that the third passage may be at least as wide as the second passage along a main part of its length.
  • a bottom wall of the third passage may slope at an angle of less than 5 degrees and still provide a proper drainage function, or may slope at an angle of less than 4 degrees, or of less than 3 degrees, or of less than 2 degrees, or in some cases of less than 1 degree.
  • a bottom wall of the third passage may be required to slope at an angle of greater than 1 degree to provide a drainage function.
  • the second passage may be arranged in a curved configuration, and the second and third passages may be arranged mutually to open into each other at that part of the second passage that would otherwise be prone to collect liquid, such that liquid is drained away from that part through the third passage. That part may be a U-bend part of the curved configuration.
  • the container may comprise a hollow handle forming the first passage.
  • the third passage may pass underneath the second passage with the container in an upright disposition.
  • the second and third passages may be arranged respectively on opposite sides of a gripping opening through which a pourer would insert their hand to grip the handle during the pouring operation.
  • the second and third passages may be one and the same passage, the single passage performing both the air flow and the drainage functions.
  • a spout unit for fitting into a wall of a container for liquid, such as a drinks carton, comprising: a first passage arranged, with the spout unit in its fitted disposition, to allow flow of liquid from an interior to an exterior of the container during a pouring operation; a second passage arranged, with the spout unit in its fitted disposition, to allow flow of air from the exterior to the interior of the container, to replace the liquid leaving the interior through the first passage during the pouring operation, substantially without disturbing the flow of the liquid in the first passage.
  • the spout unit may comprise a flange for use in attaching the spout unit to the wall of the container, the flange having a first side and a second side, with the first and second passages being arranged to protrude from the flange on the first side, outwardly away from the wall of the container in its fitted disposition.
  • the second passage may be arranged to pass over the flange on its second side to provide greater separation between the first and second passages where they separately open into the container in the fitted disposition.
  • the second passage may be arranged to pass over the flange a short distance away from it.
  • the spout unit may comprise webbing to secure the second passage to the flange.
  • the spout unit may comprise a screw thread arranged on the outer side of the protrusion for receiving a cap for closing the container.
  • the spout unit may comprise a third passage for preventing liquid from settling in and to some extent blocking a part of the second passage, the third passage being arranged to drain liquid from the second passage into the container in its fitted disposition.
  • the third passage may comprise at least one perforation in the wall of the second passage.
  • the third passage may comprise a plurality of perforations in the wall of the second passage.
  • a method of filling a container according to the first aspect of the present invention comprising injecting liquid into the container through the first and third passages.
  • an apparatus for filling a container according to the first aspect of the present invention comprising first and second portions for injecting liquid into the container through the first and third passages respectively.
  • a spout for removable attachment to a container according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first passage of the container having a first opening to the exterior and the third passage of the container having a second opening to the exterior, and the spout comprising a main passage for carrying liquid poured from the container through the first passage during a pouring operation and a secondary passage for simultaneously carrying air into the container during the pouring operation, the main passage being adapted to extend into the first opening of the bottle when the spout is removably attached to the container.
  • the secondary passage may be adapted to extend into the second opening of the bottle when the spout is removably attached to the container.
  • the spout may be elongate.
  • the spout may be flexible.
  • Figure 1 shows a front view of a container according to an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a front-left perspective view of the container
  • Figure 3 shows a front-right perspective view of the container
  • Figure 4 shows a left side view of the container
  • Figure 5 shows a right side view of the container
  • Figure 6 shows a top view of the container
  • Figure 7 shows a front cross-sectional view of the container, taken along plane X-Z;
  • Figure 8 shows the cross-sectional view of Figure 7 in perspective
  • Figure 9 shows the cross-sectional view of Figure 7 in another perspective
  • Figure 10 illustrates a problem associated with a previously-considered container
  • Figure 11 shows a side view of a spout unit according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 12 shows a side cross-sectional view of the spout unit, taken vertically through the middle
  • Figure 13 shows a front view of the spout unit, with the front being to the right of Figures 11 and 12;
  • Figure 14 shows a back view of the spout unit, with the back being to the left of Figures 11 and 12;
  • Figure 15 shows a bottom view of the spout unit, with the bottom being to the bottom of Figures 11 and 12;
  • Figure 16 shows a top view of the spout unit, with the top being to the top of Figures 11 and 12;
  • Figure 17 shows a bottom- front-side perspective view of the spout unit
  • Figure 18 shows a bottom-back perspective view of the spout unit
  • Figure 19 shows a top-front-side perspective view of the spout unit
  • Figure 20 shows a top-back perspective view of the spout unit
  • Figure 21 shows a perspective view of a spout unit embodying the present invention fitted into a carton
  • Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view of a spout unit embodying the present invention fitted into a carton
  • Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view of a spout unit embodying the present invention fitted into a carton, explaining the flows of air and liquid during a pouring operation
  • Figure 24 illustrates some example dimensions of parts of a container according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 25 illustrates a method and apparatus for filling a container according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 26 shows a side view of a pouring spout removably attached by means of an attachment cap to a container according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 27 shows a top perspective view of the pouring spout of Figure 26
  • Figure 28 shows a top view of the pouring spout of Figure 26
  • Figure 29 shows a perspective view of the pouring spout of Figure 26 when removed from the container and without attachment cap;
  • Figure 30 shows another perspective view of the pouring spout of Figure 26 when removed from the container and without attachment cap;
  • Figure 31 shows a close-up side view of the pouring spout of Figure 26 with the container cut away;
  • Figure 32 shows a side view of the pouring spout of Figure 26 with the container cut away;
  • Figure 33 shows a perspective view of the attachment cap used to retain the spout in place on the container; and Figures 34A to 34C are for use in explaining example dimensions of a container embodying the present invention.
  • a container 100 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9, 24 and 25. Reference numerals are shown only in Figure 1, but the skilled person will easily be able to determine the corresponding parts in the other diagrams.
  • the container comprises a chamber 102 for holding liquid.
  • a first passage 104 is provided to enable a flow of liquid from the chamber 102 to an exterior of the container 100 through an opening 110 during a pouring operation.
  • a second passage 106 is provided to enable a flow of air in the opposite direction from the exterior into the chamber 102, to replace the liquid leaving the chamber 102 through the first passage 104 during the pouring operation. These two flows are indicated by arrows in Figure 1.
  • the first and second passages 104, 106 are mutually arranged so that the flow of air into the chamber 102 through the second passage 106 substantially does not disturb the flow of liquid out of the chamber 102 through the first passage 104. This prevents the problem of "glugging” or “gurgling", which occurs in a conventional container with a single-passage opening when the inflowing air disturbs the outflowing liquid.
  • the second passage is conveniently shaped to form a handle of the container.
  • Containers of this type are intended to be stacked in great numbers on top of each other whilst in transit. Therefore it is generally preferable that the maximum possible area is available at the top of the container to support the weight of the containers above. To place all the weight solely on the neck of any container would create a potential for fracture and leakage from the container. Because the container is designed for ease of stacking, the upper wall of the handle is substantially level with the upper limit of the opening or neck 110 (with separate cap, not shown).
  • the third passage 108 drains liquid in a direction away from the first passage 104, to fall back into the chamber 102 at a position away from the first passage 104.
  • the third passage 108 is arranged to provide, with the container 100 in an upright disposition, a downward-sloping channel for liquid substantially along its entire length in a direction away from the first passage 104 towards where the third passage 108 opens into the chamber 102. Any liquid entering in the second passage 106 by sloshing during transit is drained away.
  • the third passage 108 will also provide an air flow function, in addition to the air flow function provided by the second passage 106, as illustrated in Figure 1.
  • the first passage 104 is arranged to open into the chamber 102 towards a first side 112 of the container 100
  • the second passage 106 is arranged to open into the chamber 102 towards a second side 114 of the container 100 opposite the first side 112
  • the third passage 108 is arranged to open into the chamber 102 towards the second side 114.
  • the second and third passages 106, 108 are arranged mutually to open into each other substantially where they also mutually open into the chamber 102.
  • the third passage 108 passes underneath the second passage 106 with the container 100 in an upright disposition, with the second and third passages 106, 108 being arranged respectively on opposite sides of a gripping opening 118 through which the person handling the container 100 would insert their hand to grip the handle during the pouring operation.
  • the cross-sectional height of the third passage 108 is of a comparable value to the cross-sectional height of the second (handle) passage 106.
  • the top wall of the third passage 108 is substantially horizontal (or parallel with the bottom wall of the second passage 106), although this is of course not essential, while the bottom wall of the third passage slopes downwardly away from the opening 110.
  • the cross-sectional height of the third passage 108 is of a comparable value to the cross- sectional height of a main part of the second passage 106, it increases is it proceeds away from the opening 110 in this embodiment.
  • the cross-sectional height of a main part the third passage 108 is preferably not less than 50% of the cross-sectional height of a main part of the second passage 106, more preferably not less than 75%, and more preferably not less than 100%.
  • the cross-sectional width of a main part of the third passage 108 is at least as big as the cross-sectional width of a main part of the second passage 106. This is clear from Figure 6 because the third passage 108 is visible below the second passage 106 when viewed from above.
  • the cross-sectional width of a main part of the third passage 108 is slightly less than the cross-sectional width of a main part of the second passage 106, without serious degradation of performance, although it is preferable that the cross-sectional width of a main part of the third passage 108 is at least 75% of the cross-sectional width of a main part of the second passage 106, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably still at least 95%, and more preferably still at least 100%.
  • the above-mentioned cross-sectional form of the third passage 108 which means that the cross sectional area of a main part of the third passage 108 is comparable to that of a main part of the second passage 106, which itself is suitably sized to form a handle, ensures quick and efficient drainage of fluid into the chamber 102. It also provides good air flow properties, because the third passage 108 also performs an air flow function like the second passage 106. In addition, because the third passage 108 can be at least as wide as the second passage 106, a comfortable gripping opening can be formed with suitably wide and smooth walls to ensure that the user's hand does not catch or scrape on any angular or jagged parts.
  • the second and third passages 106, 108 have a mutual opening having a cross-sectional area approximately 33% of the cross-sectional area of the opening for the first passage 104. Therefore a relatively large part of the overall opening 110 is occupied by the mutual opening for the second and third passages 106, 108, thus ensuring good air flow into the handle section during pouring. A value less than 33% would still provide adequate performance in many situations.
  • the third passage 108 is adapted to provide an air flow function as well as a drainage function.
  • Figure 24 provides one set of example dimensions for the parts mentioned above, measured in millimetres. It will be appreciated that a bottle embodying the present invention will come in many different sizes, and so the dimensions are to be considered only as an example and are not to be considered limiting.
  • the angle or gradient that the lower wall of the third passage 108 drops from front to back is 1 degree or more to enable proper the drainage of liquid. Because of the size of the third passage 108 relative to the second passage 106, a large angle is not required for adequate drainage, and this has an advantage is leaving more room for the holding chamber 102 and therefore a larger capacity bottle.
  • a bottle embodying the present invention is also particularly advantageous by being thus provided with a third (drainage) passage that is adapted and arranged for use not only to drain unwanted liquid away, but also for use in filling the bottle.
  • a third (drainage) passage that is adapted and arranged for use not only to drain unwanted liquid away, but also for use in filling the bottle.
  • one problem that bottle filling companies encounter with known anti-glug bottles is that the reduction in size of the filling hole at the opening or neck to accommodate the additional hole for the air vent will prevent the bottle from being filled at production speeds.
  • This problem is addressed with a bottle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when used with a special filler nozzle 150 as illustrated in Figure 25.
  • the filler nozzle 150 is split into first and second filling portions 152 and 154.
  • the first filling portion 152 is adapted for insertion into the opening for the first passage 104
  • the second filling portion 154 is adapted for insertion into the mutual opening for the second and third passages 106, 108.
  • the second filling portion 154 may be adapted to discharge liquid out of its tip substantially parallel to the slope of the third passage 108 to improve the flow of liquid into the chamber 102 through the third passage 108. Because the size of the third passage 108 is at least that of the second passage 106, back pressure is reduced and the filling speed of the bottle can be maintained.
  • the third passage 108 is adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage 108.
  • the third passage 108 is preferably adapted and arranged so that the cross sectional area of the second opening is at least 15% of the cross sectional area of the first opening
  • This provides a sufficient opening to the third passage 108 to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage 108, so that filling of the bottle can be through both the first and second openings for a highly advantageous improvement in filling speed compared to known bottles of this type.
  • Similar figures can also be expressed for some measure of the cross sectional area of the third passage 108 relative to the first passage 104 over some, most or all of their respective lengths.
  • the average cross sectional area of the third passage 108 is at least 15% of the average cross sectional area of the first passage 104 (although this figure could be higher, for example 20%, 25%, 30% or 35%, depending on the application).
  • the measure could instead be the median or minimum or some other measure.
  • the above figures relating to cross sectional areas can be considered to be equivalent to the relative filling rates through the first and second openings that are made possible.
  • the statements can be considered to be equivalent to stating that that the first and third passages 104, 108 are preferably adapted and arranged to allow the bottle to be filled through the second opening at a filling rate of at least 15% of a filling rate through the first opening (although this figure could be higher, for example 20%, 25%, 30% or 35%, depending on the application), assuming the same speed of flow through both openings (of course, it could be arranged that the flow speeds through the two openings are different, if required by the application).
  • filling rate is measured in volume per unit time (e.g. cm 3 per second) while flow speed is measured in distance per unit time (e.g. cm per second).
  • the third (drainage) passage 108 is adapted and arranged to be suitable for filling the bottle as described above, this is not intended in any way to limit the bottle to being filled in this way.
  • a conventional filling process can also be used where the bottle is filled only through the first passage 104.
  • the features that provide a third passage that is adapted and arranged to allow the container to be filled at least partly through the third passage also provide at least some of the other advantages described above, such as improved drainage and air flow properties, irrespective of whether the container is intended to be filled at least partly through the third passage.
  • an optimum pour angle of the container is achieved by ensuring that, as the bottle is poured from its upright position, and just as the liquid leaves the container and starts to creep over the edge of the spout, a minimum of 40 degree angle from the vertical should be the optimum pouring angle just as the liquid starts to leave the container. This angle would be achieved by ensuring that the height "D" of the spout of the container is no more than 0.84 times the width "A" of the liquid aperture.
  • the width of the aperture "A” should preferably be no less than 18mm.
  • the value of "C”, which is the secondary liquid inlet for filling/pouring, should preferably be approximately 0.33 times the value of "D”, as this will allow for an adequate size lance to be placed down the aperture to assist with filling, but will also allow the air flow rate to be adequate for when the bottle is being poured.
  • the value of "B” is generally a by-product of what is left within the width of the overall nozzle, but should preferably be not be less than 2mm to ensure that the metal that forms this area within the mould will not be left vulnerable to pressure through manufacturing processes and prevent fracturing or fatigue around this area.
  • Figures 26 to 33 illustrate a spout 300 for removable attachment to a container described above.
  • Figure 26 shows a side view of the spout 300 removably attached by means of an attachment cap 330 to a container as described previously.
  • Figure 27 shows a top perspective view of the spout 300
  • Figure 28 shows a top view of the spout 300
  • Figure 29 shows a perspective view of the spout 300 when removed from the container and without attachment cap 330
  • Figure 30 shows another perspective view of the spout 300 when removed from the container and without attachment cap 330
  • Figure 31 shows a close-up side view of the spout 300 with the container cut away for a clearer view
  • Figure 32 shows a side view of the spout 300 with the container cut away
  • Figure 33 shows a perspective view of the attachment cap 330 used to retain the spout in place on the container.
  • the first passage of the container has a first opening to the exterior
  • the third passage of the container has a second opening to the exterior
  • the spout comprises a main passage 310 for carrying liquid poured from the container through the first passage during a pouring operation and a secondary passage 320 for simultaneously carrying air into the container during the pouring operation.
  • the main passage 310 is adapted to extend into the first opening of the bottle when the spout is removably attached to the container.
  • the secondary passage 320 is preferably adapted to extend into the second opening of the bottle when the spout is removably attached to the container.
  • a spout embodying the present invention is advantageously adapted to mate with the passages of a container embodying the present invention, providing a secure passage of fluid in one direction and air in the other direction without risk of mixing or spilling; the superior anti-glug effect as previously described is thereby maintained even with a spout attached.
  • the passage 106 for air flow being provided separately to the passage 108 for drainage
  • it is not essential to provide two separate passages. Instead, a single passage could perform both functions. For example, if handle of the above-described embodiment were not hollow, then effectively there would be no second passage 106 since it would be blocked. However, in that case the third passage 108 would perform both an air flow function and a drainage function, with air entering the chamber 102 through the third passage 108 and any being of such a configuration to prevent any liquid from collecting therein and degrading the anti-glug performance.
  • a spout unit 200 according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 10 to 18.
  • the spout unit 200 is intended for fitting into a wall of a container for liquid, such as a drinks carton. These are common in the United Kingdom in the form of fruit juice cartons. Reference numerals are shown only in Figure 12, but the skilled person will easily be able to determine the corresponding parts in the other diagrams.
  • the spout unit 200 comprises a first passage 204 arranged, with the spout unit in its fitted disposition, to allow flow of liquid from an interior to an exterior of the container during a pouring operation.
  • the spout unit 200 also comprises a second passage 206 arranged, with the spout unit in its fitted disposition, to allow flow of air from the exterior to the interior of the container, to replace the liquid leaving the interior through the first passage during the pouring operation, substantially without disturbing the flow of the liquid in the first passage.
  • the spout unit would be fitted with the second passage 206 located above the first passage 204. This prevents the problem of "glugging" or "gurgling", which occurs with a conventional single- passage spout when the inflowing air disturbs the outflowing liquid.
  • the spout unit 200 comprises a flange 220 for use in attaching the spout unit 200 to the wall of the container.
  • the flange 220 has a first side 222 and a second side 224, with the first and second passages 204, 206 being arranged to protrude from the flange 220 on the first side 222, or outwardly away from the wall of the container when the spout unit 200 is in its fitted disposition.
  • the second passage 296 is arranged to pass over the flange 220 on its second side 224 to provide greater separation between the respective openings 205, 207 of first and second passages 204, 206 where they separately open into the container in the fitted disposition. This reduces the risk that liquid enters the second passage 206 during the pouring operation, which would eliminate any anti-glug effect.
  • the second passage 206 can be arranged to pass over the flange 220 a short distance away from it, and in this case webbing can be provided to secure the second passage 206 to the flange 220.
  • the spout unit 200 comprises a screw thread 226 arranged on the outer side of the protrusion for receiving a cap for releasably closing the container.
  • the second passage 206 depicted in the drawings has a curved configuration having a "dog-leg" or right angle part in which liquid can collect when the spout unit is in its in use configuration. Such collected liquid can cause the second passage 206 to be at least partially blocked during the pouring operation, this restricting or even preventing flow of air through the second passage 206 and thereby degrading the anti-glug effectiveness of the spout unit 200.
  • a spout unit embodying the present invention can be manufactured at relatively low cost in standard sizes for straightforward fitting into drinks cartons and the like with minimal or no changes required to the fitting procedure.
  • Figures 21 and 22 show the spout unit as fitted into a typical drinks carton, while Figure 23 shows the flow of air and liquid during a pouring operation (for proper viewing, the drawing should be rotated anti-clockwise so that the depicted liquid level is horizontal).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un contenant (100) qui comprend: une chambre (102) destinée à contenir un liquide; un premier passage (104) agencé pour permettre à un liquide de s'écouler depuis la chambre (102) jusqu'à l'extérieur du contenant (100) au cours d'une opération de déversement; un second passage (106) agencé pour permettre à l'air de s'écouler depuis l'extérieur jusque dans la chambre (102) sensiblement sans entraver l'écoulement du liquide dans le premier passage (104) au cours de l'opération de déversement; et un troisième passage (108) qui empêche le liquide de se déposer dans le second passage (106), le troisième passage (108) étant agencé pour évacuer le liquide en provenance de ladite partie du second passage (106) jusque dans la chambre (102), en l'éloignant du premier passage (104). Le troisième passage (108) est également agencé pour permettre que le remplissage du conteneur s'effectue au moins partiellement à travers le troisième passage. L'invention concerne aussi un bec verseur amovible destiné au contenant précité, et une unité bec verseur qui permet un déversement sans à-coups lorsqu'elle est installée sur un contenant classique.
EP07733715A 2006-05-25 2007-05-24 Contenant et bec verseur Withdrawn EP2032448A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0610329A GB2429004B (en) 2006-05-25 2006-05-25 Spout unit
GB0615497.5A GB2438391B (en) 2006-05-25 2006-08-04 Container
PCT/GB2007/050294 WO2007138350A1 (fr) 2006-05-25 2007-05-24 Contenant et bec verseur

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2032448A1 true EP2032448A1 (fr) 2009-03-11

Family

ID=36687670

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07733715A Withdrawn EP2032448A1 (fr) 2006-05-25 2007-05-24 Contenant et bec verseur

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2032448A1 (fr)
GB (2) GB2429004B (fr)
WO (1) WO2007138350A1 (fr)

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EP2646325B1 (fr) * 2010-12-01 2017-08-23 Ecolab Inc. Bidon pour contenir des substances fluides
GB201206742D0 (en) * 2012-04-17 2012-05-30 Millers Oils Ltd Fluid dispenser
GB2503556B (en) 2013-04-30 2014-07-02 Meditech Endoscopy Ltd Container
GB2516807A (en) * 2013-05-23 2015-02-11 Clayton Rowles Anti glug device
GB201314207D0 (en) 2013-08-08 2013-09-25 Obrist Closures Switzerland A Dispensing Cap
US10093460B2 (en) 2015-08-14 2018-10-09 Yeti Coolers, Llc Container with magnetic cap
EP3525638B1 (fr) 2016-10-17 2021-11-17 YETI Coolers, LLC Contenant isotherme avec couvercle magnétique
EP4204310A1 (fr) * 2020-08-25 2023-07-05 Ferton Holding S.A. Dispositif de distribution, système de distribution et procédé de distribution de poudre

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2007138350A1 (fr) 2007-12-06
GB0610329D0 (en) 2006-07-05
GB2429004A (en) 2007-02-14
GB2429004B (en) 2007-10-17
GB2438391A (en) 2007-11-28
GB2438391B (en) 2012-01-04
GB0615497D0 (en) 2006-09-13

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